Indonesia’s new tourism minister plans on focusing Bali’s tourism development away from the south

What’s next for Bali? Indonesia’s new tourism and creative economy minister, Wishnutama Kusubandio, says the future of tourism on the island will be oriented toward revitalizing and developing other regions on the Island of the Gods, seemingly shifting the focus away from the comparably more developed south.

Wishnutama took to Instagram over the weekend to share his recent meeting with Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Vice Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, or Cok Ace.

“The governor shared many stories on the potential outside of southern Bali, which has yet to be explored because of various factors and challenges, including land acquisition, accessibility and infrastructure,” Wishnutama wrote.

The minister said he will help coordinate matters with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) and Ministry of Transportation to ensure accessibility to northern, western and eastern Bali can be developed quickly and according to plan.

“I also suggested to the governor and vice governor that we should work together on an Integrated Tourism Master Plan in Bali as a long-term plan,” Wishnutama said.

Bali’s other regions are not entirely unknown to visitors, though most usually pay a visit as part of a short trip as opposed to staying for longer periods.

North Bali is perhaps most known for its sunrise dolphin-watching, but it’s also home to the beautiful Gitgit Waterfall and the island’s largest Buddhist monastery Brahma Vihara Arama.

Bali’s “Gates of Heaven,” which is located at Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Karangasem regency, is one of the main attractions in eastern Bali, along with the Taman Ujung Water Palace and an ancient cave home to thousands of bats known as Goa Lawah.

West Bali, on the other hand, is home to the West Bali National Park: the last stronghold of the endangered Bali myna bird and home to some 160 other animal species. In addition, diving and snorkeling spot of Menjangan Island is also part of the national park.